Billie Piper Not Returning for Doctor Who Season Three

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Rose leaves after two seasons of Doctor Who.

By Jason Van Horn

After the departure of Christopher Eccleston (The Doctor) last year from Doctor Who, many wondered if the show would be a continuous revolving door with new actors always coming and going. Early reports, after the filming of Doctor Who: "The Christmas Invasion" -- a bridge episode between the first season and the second season -- indicated that this revolving door policy would not be the case as such sites as DigitalSpy were reporting that not only was this version of The Doctor (played now by David Tennant) going to be hanging around than more than just one season, but that both Tennant and Billie Piper (who plays Rose Tyler) had already signed up for season three.

Coming from reports that the BBC had confirmed at the time, "There are lots of places for Rose to go," said Piper. "I have had a ball. I might still be here in 40 years." And while a BBC spokeswoman had teased, "All parties want more of Rose Tyler... however it is too early to confirm in what shape, form and how that will be for series three," many still felt Rose would be around when it came time to start filming season three.

Questions regarding Billie Piper's departure again resurfaced recently after the two part story arc "The Impossible Planet / The Satan Pit" aired on television. During "The Satan Pit," The Beast (the villain of the story arc) revealed to Rose that she would die in battle. Though she didn't die during the episode, fans started to question if this was a sign of things to come for Billie Piper's involvment in Doctor Who. On June 15, 2006 the BBC finally announced that Billie Piper would indeed be leaving the show after the second season.

Billie Piper

"Rose and I have gone on the most incredible journey with Russell T Davies and the cast and crew of Doctor Who over the past two years," said Billie. "It has been an amazing adventure, and I can confirm it comes to an end, for now at least, as series two climaxes. I am truly indebted to Russell for giving me the chance to play Rose Tyler, and to all the Doctor Who fans old and new who have been so supportive of me in this amazing role. Thank you so much."

Russell T Davies, writer and Executive Producer adds, "It has been a wonderful experience working with Billie -- we will miss her -- and wish her all the success in the world for her future. However, the Doctor Who team have had a whole year to plan this final scene and have created a stunning exit for Rose Tyler. The Doctor lives a dangerous life and when Rose joined him on his adventures she was aware of this. With a series climax called Doomsday on its way, I can't guarantee who will survive and who won't, but I can assure you the TARDIS is going on its scariest journey yet!"

Piper will make her departure in the Doctor Who season two finale "Doomsday," which is set to air July 8th on BBC1.